Council notes grass cutting issues

Published: Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 11:31 p.m.

Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton asked residents who live near overgrown lots for patience in getting grass cut and repeated the city’s intention to sell as many of the lots as possible.

During the comments period of Tuesday’s council meeting, Guyton said residents should call City Hall with the addresses of lots that need to be cut and leave their address and phone number.

He said the city will get back with them to see if they are interested in purchasing the lots.

“It will be a real deal, trust me,” Guyton said, “because we want to unload lots. We cut between 500 and 600 lots a year.”

He said the city owns some of the lots and the city or state have tax liens on others, but the city is working to clear up the titles.

“Just be patient with us,” Guyton said. “Grass is growing everywhere all over the city. It’s been raining for three weeks.”

Guyton said trash pickup is lagging but said that will get that done as well. Gadsden picks up trash at no charge. Many cities, he said, either don’t pick up trash or charge to do so.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a road block on May 25 by the Black Creek 4-H Arrow Slingers at the intersection of Noccalula Road and Noccalula Drive in front of Jack’s.

• Approved a contract with ABC 33/40 for $10,000 for the Hometown Focus program in May to promote the city.

• Heard from CED Mental Health Director Sheila Hurley, who told the council May is Mental Health Month. She said an event to give information about mental health services is at noon Thursday at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, 409 N. Ninth St.

• Heard from Sue Guffey, a member of the CED Mental Health Board, about a group trying to establish a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is a support group. The group meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at Gadsden First United Methodist Church. Guffey asked the council to consider helping the local group with funding.

<p>Gadsden Mayor Sherman Guyton asked residents who live near overgrown lots for patience in getting grass cut and repeated the city's intention to sell as many of the lots as possible.</p><p>During the comments period of Tuesday's council meeting, Guyton said residents should call City Hall with the addresses of lots that need to be cut and leave their address and phone number.</p><p>He said the city will get back with them to see if they are interested in purchasing the lots.</p><p>“It will be a real deal, trust me,” Guyton said, “because we want to unload lots. We cut between 500 and 600 lots a year.” </p><p>He said the city owns some of the lots and the city or state have tax liens on others, but the city is working to clear up the titles.</p><p>“Just be patient with us,” Guyton said. “Grass is growing everywhere all over the city. It's been raining for three weeks.”</p><p>Guyton said trash pickup is lagging but said that will get that done as well. Gadsden picks up trash at no charge. Many cities, he said, either don't pick up trash or charge to do so.</p><p>In other business, the council:</p><p>• Approved a road block on May 25 by the Black Creek 4-H Arrow Slingers at the intersection of Noccalula Road and Noccalula Drive in front of Jack's.</p><p>• Approved a contract with ABC 33/40 for $10,000 for the Hometown Focus program in May to promote the city.</p><p>• Heard from CED Mental Health Director Sheila Hurley, who told the council May is Mental Health Month. She said an event to give information about mental health services is at noon Thursday at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, 409 N. Ninth St.</p><p>• Heard from Sue Guffey, a member of the CED Mental Health Board, about a group trying to establish a local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is a support group. The group meets at 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at Gadsden First United Methodist Church. Guffey asked the council to consider helping the local group with funding.</p>